SHOWCASING ATTITUDE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE AT REGIONAL COMPETITIONS
The first regional skills competition of the 2018 season was held at the College of New Caledonia in Prince George on January 17th. Students of the campus and local high schools went head-to-head in a number of challenges ranging from welding and culinary to carpentry and automotive, while students in grades 6 – 9 worked in teams to design, build and test wind turbines and bridges made of spaghetti.
“The competition exceeded our expectations,” said Doug Borden, coordinator of the Career Technical Centre for School District 57. “Each year we have more competitors; more interest from industry, parents, and students at post-secondary, high school, and elementary levels.” In total, 200 young men and women competed in the annual event, and Borden says this is a perfect example of the interest their generation has to achieve a career in the field. Another 150 elementary and high school students got a tour of the CNC campus during the competition. “I believe it’s an indication of the number of students interested in going into the trades and a great place for them to explore their interest in the trades, and really test their skills against their peers.”
Gold, Silver and Bronze medals were awarded in each category by industry judges with the top finishers now eligible to compete at the Provincial Skills Competition in Abbotsford on April 18th. At the closing ceremonies, President of the College, Henry Reiser, noted the incredible growth of the event over the past three years. He concluded by setting next year’s goal at 400 participants.
